Sharing Jesus where I currently am!

Reflecting on Mark 5:1-20

“Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” (Mark 5:19)
As a Jesus follower, I would prefer to be closer to Jesus.
Not that I want to die and leave my family.
But to experience more of those moments when Jesus feels near.
There are specific times and settings when I feel close to Jesus.
And those are usually when I am alone, away from others.
Yet Jesus has other things in mind for me, through me, for others.

I feel for this man who wanted to go with Jesus.
He saw the other disciples with Jesus, why couldn’t he go?
There may be multiple reasons why Jesus did not let him follow.
One reason may be because this man may not have been Jewish.
The Decapolis region was Greek-speaking, Rome supporting area.
Jesus’s mission was starting with the Jews (Matthew 15:24).
But He still went to non-Jews, and still shared God’s love.
He wants this man to witness to God’s love through Jesus.

I’ve asked Jesus for opportunities that Jesus has declined.
Places I wanted to go, things I wanted to do, experiences I wanted to have.
I’ve even had good reason for asking, to better serve Him, to witness for Him.
In those times when the door was not opened, I didn’t know the reason.
(Though in hindsight I have seen that His decision was for the best).
But whatever the reason, Jesus still wanted me to serve Him where I was.
Though I didn’t want to be where I was, Jesus wanted me to be there then.
And not grumbling and complaining, but serving and witnessing.

Am I in a tough situation; use it to point people to Jesus.
Focus on what the Lord has done for you, and let others know.
Keep asking… I have found eventually that things changed.
But in the meantime, be the best witness in your current context.
Jesus cares for the people you are currently among.
Jesus wants God’s love to spread, and someone to spread it.
Jesus puts people in places “for such a time as this!” (Esther 4:14)

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.” (Philippians 1:21-26)

I am where I am right now for a reason.
The Lord may open new doors one day, but until then, I can still share Jesus.

A good place for me to start is to reflect on what the Lord has done for me.
My story is not the same as the man in this story.
But I have my own story of being loved, helped, healed, rescued, called.
And there are people in my life – people like me – who need this too.
Jesus has saved me from religion and churchianity.
There are a lot of others who struggle with these, and who need Jesus too.
My heart is drawn to those giving up on faith and Jesus, because of church.
Jesus can use my story to encourage and support them.
To let them know that there is healing and freedom and goodness… with Jesus.
That is why I am here where I am, “for such a time as this!” (Esther 4:14)

PRAYER
Lord Jesus, sometimes I prefer to withdraw from people. Sometimes I wish I was among other people. Thank You for reminding me that You can use me where I am, and that my faith and life experience can bless others no matter where I am.

Help me to stop looking to the other side of the fence. Help me to see that there is enough 'green' opportunity here to taste, see and share Your goodness with others.